Sally Ride: A Pioneering Astronaut and yet much more

To close out Pride month, I wanted to focus on an inspirational figure in the LGBTQ+ community, who had an impact far beyond their sphere of influence. I wanted to think outside the box, and be brought back to the early 80’s and that sense of excitement as we gazed up to the stars. To think of those trail blazing female astronauts showing that anything was possible, if you put your mind to it! ?

For me, Sally Ride holds a distinguished place in history as an inspirational figure and pioneer who broke the glass ceiling in terms of women in science and space exploration. She was born on May 26, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. Her journey to becoming the first American woman in space is a testament to her intelligence, perseverance, and commitment to advancing science and education. There was something about her smile and presence of the TV that made me in awe of her. ?

She attended Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1973. She continued her education at Stanford, completing a Master of Science degree in 1975 and a Ph.D. in Physics in 1978. Her academic focus included astrophysics and free electron lasers, showcasing her deep interest in space and scientific research. In 1978, Ride was selected as part of NASA's astronaut program, one of six women chosen in the first group to include female astronauts. ?

She made history on June 18, 1983, when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-7, becoming the first American woman in space. During this mission she played a critical role in deploying and retrieving satellites operated the shuttle's robotic arm demonstrating her technical prowess and a crucial part of the team. In the 80’s the coolest thing on TV was the Shuttle launches, and that robotic arm penetrating out of the back of each shuttle. ?

Ride flew into space again in 1984, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer. Throughout her career at NASA, she logged over 343 hours in space and became an icon of women's achievements in fields traditionally dominated by men.?

After retiring from NASA in 1987, Sally Ride continued to advocate for science education and inspire future generations. She became a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego, and later founded Sally Ride Science in 2001. This organization aims to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, particularly for girls and young women, encouraging them to pursue careers in these critical fields.?

Ride's contributions to science and education have been widely recognized. She received numerous honors and awards, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.?

Sally Ride was known for her private nature, but she also broke barriers in her personal life. After her death in 2012 from pancreatic cancer, it was revealed that she had a 27-year relationship with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy. This made Ride not only a trailblazer for women in science but also a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community. It may seem odd that she never came out, as a trail blazing lady. But she was deeply private. Her sister Bear Ride said the following after her death. ?

"Most people did not know that Sally had a wonderfully loving relationship with Tam O'Shaughnessy for 27 years.? Sally never hid her relationship with Tam. They were partners, business partners in Sally Ride Science, they wrote books together, and?Sally's very close friends, of course, knew of their love for each other.? We consider Tam a member of our family.?

"I hope the?pancreatic cancer community is going to be absolutely thrilled that there's now this advocate that they didn't know about. ?And, I hope the LGBTQ+ community feels the same.?I hope it makes it easier for kids growing up gay that they know that another one of their heroes was like them."?

Sally Ride's legacy as a pioneering astronaut, educator, and advocate continues to inspire countless individuals around the world. Her contributions to space exploration and her dedication to promoting STEM education have left an indelible mark on society. Sally Ride's life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking barriers and pursuing one's passions, no matter the obstacles.?